System and method for content sharing

ABSTRACT

A video content system includes a head end server module and a content-sharing server coupled to a video content network. Also included is a converged premises gateway module coupled to the video content network at a location remote from the head end server module and the content-sharing server. The converged premises gateway module includes a processor and a video content network interface coupled to the processor and the video content network and configured for communication with the head end server module over the video content network. The gateway module also includes a memory module having a predetermined storage location for content to be shared with the content-sharing server and a local area network configured at least for distribution of video content within the remote location. The system further includes an upload module configured to cause the content in the predetermined storage location to be uploaded to the content-sharing server.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is related to a commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication entitled “Methods And Apparatus For Centralized Content AndData Delivery,” Ser. No. 11/378,129 filed Mar. 16, 2006, the completedisclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety for all purposes. The present application is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/055,388 filed Mar. 26, 2008, thecomplete disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to communications systems andmethods, and, more particularly, to video content networks and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the advent of digital communications technology, many TV programstreams are transmitted in digital formats. For example, DigitalSatellite System (DSS), Digital Broadcast Services (DBS), and AdvancedTelevision Standards Committee (ATSC) program streams are digitallyformatted pursuant to the well known Moving Pictures Experts Group 2(MPEG-2) standard. The MPEG-2 standard specifies, among other things,the methodologies for video and audio data compression allowing formultiple programs, with different video and audio feeds, to bemultiplexed in a transport stream traversing a single transmissionchannel. A digital TV receiver may be used to decode an MPEG-2 encodedtransport stream, and extract the desired program therefrom.

The compressed video and audio data are typically carried by continuouselementary streams, respectively, which are broken into access units orpackets, resulting in packetized elementary streams (PESs). Thesepackets are identified by headers that contain time stamps forsynchronizing, and are used to form MPEG-2 transport streams. Fordigital broadcasting, multiple programs and their associated PESs aremultiplexed into a single transport stream. A transport stream has PESpackets further subdivided into short fixed-size data packets, in whichmultiple programs encoded with different clocks can be carried. Atransport stream not only includes a multiplex of audio and video PESs,but also other data such as MPEG-2 program specific information(sometimes referred to as metadata) describing the transport stream. TheMPEG-2 metadata may include a program associated table (PAT) that listsevery program in the transport stream. Each entry in the PAT points toan individual program map table (PMT) that lists the elementary streamsmaking up each program. Some programs are open, but some programs may besubject to conditional access (encryption), and this information (i.e.,whether open or subject to conditional access) is also carried in theMPEG-2 transport stream, typically as metadata.

The aforementioned fixed-size data packets in a transport stream eachcarry a packet identifier (PID) code. Packets in the same elementarystreams all have the same PID, so that a decoder can select theelementary stream(s) it needs and reject the remainder.Packet-continuity counters may be implemented to ensure that everypacket that is needed to decode a stream is received.

Video on demand (VOD) systems allow users to select and watch videocontent over a network. Some VOD systems “stream” content for real-timeviewing. Others “download” the content to a set-top box before viewingstarts. Use of digital video recorders (DVRs), also known as personalvideo recorders (PVRs), such as the TiVo® device (registered mark ofTiVo Brands LLC, Alviso, Calif.) and the R Replay TV® device (registeredmark of Digital Networks North America Inc., Pine Brook, N.J.), isubiquitous. Such devices may provide some benefits to TV viewers. Forexample, a prior art DVR allows a user to record his or her favorite TVprograms for later review, and to exercise a season-pass-like optionwherein every episode of his or her favorite program is recorded forsome period. Such devices may automatically record programs for the userbased on his or her viewing habits and preferences. The presentation ofthe recorded programming content can be manipulated by exercisingrewind, pause, skip and/or fast-forward functions (hereinafter referredto as “trick mode” or “trick play” functions) furnished by the DVR.

A “network PVR (NPVR)” (also referred to as an NDVR (Network DigitalVideo Recorder)) service allows the user to perform the analogous DVRfunctions through use of a network, rather than via a local DVR at theuser premises. Unlike a DVR device, the NPVR service allows a user to“reserve” past and future programs for his or her review, even if suchreserved programs were not identified by the user before theirbroadcast. Note that an NDVR can be distinguished from a DVR in that thelatter, storage of programs and the like is local to the DVR, while inthe former (NDVR) case, such storage is at the server or head end level.

A content-based network, a non-limiting example of which is a cabletelevision network, may afford access to a variety of services besidestelevision, for example, broadband Internet access, telephone service,and the like

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Principles of the present invention provide techniques for contentsharing. In one aspect, an exemplary video content system includes ahead end server module, a content-sharing server, a video contentnetwork coupled to the head end server module and the content-sharingserver, and a converged premises gateway module coupled to the videocontent network at a location remote from the head end server module andthe content-sharing server. The converged premises gateway moduleincludes a processor and a video content network interface (anon-limiting example of which is a cable modem) coupled to the processorand the video content network and configured for communication with thehead end server module over the video content network. The gatewaymodule also includes a memory module having a predetermined storagelocation for content to be shared with the content-sharing server and alocal area network interface configured at least for distribution ofvideo content within the remote location. The system also includes anupload module configured to cause the content in the predeterminedstorage location to be uploaded to the content-sharing server.

As used herein, “facilitating” an action includes performing the action,making the action easier, helping to carry the action out, or causingthe action to be performed. Thus, by way of example and not limitation,instructions executing on one processor might facilitate an actioncarried out by instructions executing on a remote processor, by sendingappropriate data or commands to cause or aid the action to be performed.

In another aspect, an exemplary method (which can becomputer-implemented) for sharing content from: a converged premisesgateway module coupled to a video content network having a head endserver module, to: a content-sharing server, includes the step ofproviding at least one user premises with a converged premises gatewaymodule of the kind described above. The user premises are remote fromthe content-sharing server and the head end server module. Additionalsteps include storing the content to be shared in the predeterminedstorage location and causing the content in the predetermined storagelocation to be uploaded to the content-sharing server.

In yet another aspect, an exemplary converged premises gateway modulefor interconnection with a content-sharing server and a video contentnetwork having a head end server module, at a location remote from thecontent-sharing server and the head end server module, includes aprocessor and a video content network interface coupled to the processorand configured for coupling to the video content network and forcommunication with the head end server module over the video contentnetwork. Also included are a memory module having a predeterminedstorage location for content to be shared with the content-sharingserver, a local area network interface configured at least fordistribution of video content within the remote location, and an agentexecutable on the processor and configured to cause the content in thepredetermined storage location to be uploaded to the content-sharingserver over the video content network.

An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus or system, according to stillanother aspect of the invention, can include a memory and at least oneprocessor coupled to the memory. The processor can be operative tofacilitate performance of one or more of the method steps describedherein. Non-limiting examples of processors are those in one or moreservers described herein, a digital set-top terminal, other consumerpremises equipment (CPE) such as a converged premises gateway module,and the like. In a further aspect, an apparatus or system can includemeans for performing the various method steps. The means can include oneor more hardware modules, one or more software modules, or a mixture ofone or more software modules and one or more hardware modules.

One or more method steps of the present invention can be implemented inthe form of an article of manufacture including a machine readablemedium that contains one or more programs which when executed implementsuch step(s).

Techniques of the present invention can provide substantial beneficialtechnical effects. For example, one or more embodiments may have one ormore of the following advantages: reduced upstream bandwidthrequirement, sharing of content while maintaining security for aconverged premises gateway module, and lower latency in delivery ofcontent (thereby reducing wait time).

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary hybridfiber-coaxial (HFC) network configuration useful with one or moreembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1a is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplary HFCcable network head-end configuration useful with the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplary localservice node configuration useful with the present invention;

FIG. 1c is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplarybroadcast switched architecture (BSA) network useful with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a content and data distributionnetwork configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary centralized CPEunit configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of one exemplary embodiment of thesoftware architecture of the network of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer system useful in connection withone or more aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, techniques of the invention canbe implemented in connection with a remotely manageable premises devicethat, inter alia, acts as a centralized client networking platformproviding gateway services such as network management as well astraditional content and high-speed data delivery functions. Such adevice is disclosed in US Patent Publication 2007-0217436 of Markley etal, entitled “Methods and apparatus for centralized content and datadelivery,” the complete disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes. The premises device of Markley etal. may be used, for example, in a home or residential environment,enterprise or corporate environment, military or government environment,or combinations of the foregoing. The device also acts as the sharedinternet (e.g., a world-wide series of interconnected computer networksusing internet protocol, commonly referred to as the Internet)connection for all devices in the premises via a cable modem or othersuch interface, sharing personal and DVR content such as video, musicand photos (and any associated metadata) throughout the premises, andproviding both a wired and wireless network in the home. Telephonyservices utilizing e.g., embedded multimedia terminal adapter (eMTA)and/or Wi-Fi architectures may also be provided via the device; theseservices can make use of the network operator's indigenous voice overInternet protocol (VoIP) or comparable telephony capability if desired,thereby providing an even more unified service environment.

The converged premises device can also provide a trusted domain forcontent or data, as well as allowing a subscriber total mobility in thehome by not limiting content or data to any one viewing/access location.For example, content or data may be accessed on any monitor in thepremises, as well as on a personal computer (PC) or personal mediadevice (PMD).

A wired home network utilizing existing coaxial cable in the premises isalso created, using e.g., an Ethernet-to-coaxial bridge technology basedon the multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) specification. This willallow existing devices such as digital video recorders (DVRs) to connectand share content with the CPE, and also allows the network operator(e.g., a multi-service operator (MSO)) to control and manage thepremises coaxial network.

The CPE is also advantageously accessible via any remote device withinternetworking (e.g., Internet) capability, thereby allowing personalcontent to be accessed by the user from outside the premises.

Exemplary embodiments of premises gateway devices with which one or moreinventive techniques can be employed will now be described in detail.While these exemplary embodiments are described in the context of ahybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable system architecture having an MSO, digitalnetworking capability, and plurality of client devices/CPE, the generalprinciples and advantages of may be extended to other types of networksand architectures, whether broadband, narrowband, wired or wireless, orotherwise, the following therefore being merely exemplary in nature.“Coax” is used herein as shorthand for coaxial.

It will also be appreciated that while described generally in thecontext of a consumer (i.e., home) end user domain, the presentinvention may be readily adapted to other types of environments (e.g.,commercial/enterprise, government/military, etc.) as well. Myriad otherapplications are possible.

It is further noted that while described primarily in the context of acable system with 6 MHz RF channels, the present invention is applicableto literally any network topology or paradigm, and anyfrequency/bandwidth, such as for example 8 MHz channels. Furthermore, asreferenced above, the invention is in no way limited to traditionalcable system frequencies (i.e., below 1 GHz), and in fact may be usedwith systems that operate above 1 GHz band in center frequency orbandwidth, to include without limitation so-called ultra-widebandsystems.

Also, while certain aspects are described primarily in the context ofthe well-known Internet Protocol (described in, inter alia, RFC 791 and2460), it will be appreciated that the present invention may utilizeother types of protocols (and in fact bearer networks to include otherinternets and intranets) to implement the described functionality.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical content-based network configuration withwhich techniques of the present invention may be used. The variouscomponents of the network 100 include (i) one or more data andapplication origination points 102; (ii) one or more content sources103, (iii) one or more application distribution servers 104; (iv) one ormore video-on-demand (VOD) servers 105, and (v) CPE 106. Thedistribution server(s) 104, VOD servers 105 and CPE(s) 106 are connectedvia a bearer (e.g., HFC) network 101. A simple architecture is shown inFIG. 1 for illustrative brevity, although it will be recognized thatcomparable architectures with multiple origination points, distributionservers, VOD servers, and/or CPE devices (as well as different networktopologies) may be utilized consistent with the invention. For example,the head-end architecture of FIG. 1a (described in greater detail below)may be used.

The data/application origination point 102 comprises any medium thatallows data and/or applications (such as a VOD-based or “Watch TV”application) to be transferred to a distribution server 104. This caninclude for example a third party data source, application vendorwebsite, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), external networkinterface, mass storage device (e.g., Redundant Arrays of InexpensiveDisks (RAID) system), etc. Such transference may be automatic, initiatedupon the occurrence of one or more specified events (such as the receiptof a request packet or acknowledgement (ACK)), performed manually, oraccomplished in any number of other modes readily recognized by those ofordinary skill.

The application distribution server 104 comprises a computer systemwhere such applications can enter the network system. Distributionservers are well known in the networking arts, and accordingly notdescribed further herein.

The VOD server 105 comprises a computer system where on-demand contentcan be received from one or more of the aforementioned data sources 102and enter the network system. These servers may generate the contentlocally, or alternatively act as a gateway or intermediary from adistant source.

The CPE 106 includes any equipment in the “customers' premises” (orother appropriate locations) that can be accessed by a distributionserver 104. Exemplary embodiments of a “unified” CPE suitable for usewith techniques of the invention are described subsequently herein withrespect to FIGS. 2-4.

Referring now to FIG. 1a , one exemplary embodiment of a head-endarchitecture useful with the present invention is described. As shown inFIG. 1a , the head-end architecture 150 comprises typical head-endcomponents and services including billing module 152, subscribermanagement system (SMS) and CPE configuration management module 154,cable-modem termination system (CMTS) and out-of-band (OOB) system 156,as well as LAN(s) 158, 160 placing the various components in datacommunication with one another. It will be appreciated that while a baror bus LAN topology is illustrated, any number of other arrangements(e.g., ring, star, etc.) may be used consistent with the invention. Itwill also be appreciated that the head-end configuration depicted inFIG. 1a is high-level, conceptual architecture and that each MSO mayhave multiple head-ends deployed using custom architectures.

The architecture 150 of FIG. 1a further includes amultiplexer/encrypter/modulator (MEM) 162 coupled to the HFC network 101adapted to “condition” content for transmission over the network. Thedistribution servers 104 are coupled to the LAN 160, which providesaccess to the MEM 162 and network 101 via one or more file servers 170.The VOD servers 105 are coupled to the LAN 160 as well, although otherarchitectures may be employed (such as for example where the VOD serversare associated with a core switching device such as an 802.3z GigabitEthernet device). Since information is typically carried across multiplechannels, the head-end should be adapted to acquire the information forthe carried channels from various sources. Typically, the channels beingdelivered from the head-end 150 to the CPE 106 (“downstream”) aremultiplexed together in the head-end and sent to neighborhood hubs (seeFIG. 1b ) via a variety of interposed network components.

Content (e.g., audio, video, etc.) is provided in each downstream(in-band) channel associated with the relevant service group. Tocommunicate with the head-end or intermediary node (e.g., hub server),the CPE 106 may use the out-of-band (OOB) or DOCSIS® (Data Over CableService Interface Specification) channels (registered mark of CableTelevision Laboratories, Inc., 400 Centennial Parkway Louisville Colo.80027, USA) and associated protocols. The OpenCable™ ApplicationPlatform (OCAP) 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 (and subsequent) specification (CableTelevision laboratories Inc.) provides for exemplary networkingprotocols both downstream and upstream, although the invention is in noway limited to these approaches.

It will also be recognized that multiple servers (broadcast, VOD, orotherwise) can be used, and disposed at two or more different locationsif desired, such as being part of different server “farms”. Thesemultiple servers can be used to feed one service group, or alternativelydifferent service groups. In a simple architecture, a single server isused to feed one or more service groups. In another variant, multipleservers located at the same location are used to feed one or moreservice groups. In yet another variant, multiple servers disposed atdifferent location are used to feed one or more service groups.

In some instances, material may also be obtained from a satellite feed1108; such material is demodulated and decrypted in block 1106 and fedto block 162. Conditional access system 157 may be provided for accesscontrol purposes. Network management system 1110 may provide appropriatemanagement functions. Note also that signals from MEM 162 and upstreamsignals from network 101 that have been demodulated and split in block1112 are fed to CMTS and OOB system 156.

As shown in FIG. 1b , the network 101 of FIGS. 1 and 1 a comprises afiber/coax arrangement wherein the output of the MEM 162 of FIG. 1a istransferred to the optical domain (such as via an optical transceiver177 at the head-end or further downstream). The optical domain signalsare then distributed to a fiber node 178, which further distributes thesignals over a distribution network 180 to a plurality of localservicing nodes 182. This provides an effective 1:N expansion of thenetwork at the local service end.

FIG. 1c illustrates an exemplary “switched” network architecture alsouseful with one or more embodiments of the present invention. While aso-called “broadcast switched architecture” or BSA network isillustrated in this exemplary embodiment, it will be recognized that thepresent invention is in no way limited to such architectures.

Switching architectures allow improved efficiency of bandwidth use forordinary digital broadcast programs. Ideally, the subscriber will beunaware of any difference between programs delivered using a switchednetwork and ordinary streaming broadcast delivery.

FIG. 1c shows the implementation details of one exemplary embodiment ofthis broadcast switched network architecture. Specifically, the head-end150 contains switched broadcast control and media path functions 190,192 (the latter including staging processor 195); these elementscooperate to control and feed, respectively, downstream or edgeswitching devices 194 at the hub site which are used to selectivelyswitch broadcast streams to various service groups. A BSA server 196 isalso disposed at the hub site, and implements functions related toswitching and bandwidth conservation (in conjunction with a managemententity 198 disposed at the head-end). An optical transport ring 197 isutilized to distribute the dense wave-division multiplexed (DWDM)optical signals to each hub in an efficient fashion.

US Patent Publication 2003-0056217 of Paul D. Brooks, entitled“Technique for Effectively Providing Program Material in a CableTelevision System,” the complete disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference for all purposes, describes oneexemplary broadcast switched digital architecture useful with one ormore embodiments of the present invention, although it will berecognized by those of ordinary skill that other approaches andarchitectures may be substituted.

In addition to “broadcast” content (e.g., video programming), thesystems of FIGS. 1a-1c also deliver Internet data services using theInternet protocol (IP), although other protocols and transportmechanisms of the type well known in the digital communication art maybe substituted. One exemplary delivery paradigm comprises deliveringMPEG-based video content, with the video transported to user personalcomputers (PCs) (or IP-based set-top boxes (STBs)) over DOCSIS channelscomprising MPEG (or other video codec such as H.264 or AVC) over IP overMPEG. That is, the higher layer MPEG- or other encoded content isencapsulated using an IP protocol, which then utilizes an MPEGpacketization of the type well known in the art for delivery over the RFchannels. In this fashion, a parallel delivery mode to the normalbroadcast delivery exists; i.e., delivery of video content both overtraditional downstream quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) channels(QAMs) to the tuner of the user's STB or other receiver device forviewing on the television, and also as packetized IP data over theDOCSIS QAMs to the user's PC or other IP-enabled device via the user'scable modem.

Referring again to FIG. 1c , the IP packets associated with Internetservices are received by edge switch 194, and forwarded to the cablemodem termination system (CMTS) 199. The CMTS examines the packets, andforwards packets intended for the local network to the edge switch 194.Other packets are discarded or routed to another component. Note alsothat edge switch 194 in block 150 in FIG. 1c can, in the most generalcase, be the same or different as that shown in the hub site of FIG. 1c. Also, in other embodiments, CMTS 199 could be located in a place otherthan the hub site.

The edge switch 194 forwards the packets received from the CMTS 199 tothe QAM modulator 189, which transmits the packets on one or morephysical (QAM-modulated RF) channels to the CPEs. The IP packets aretypically transmitted on RF channels that are different that the RFchannels used for the broadcast video and audio programming, althoughthis is not a requirement. The CPE 106 are each configured to monitorthe particular assigned RF channel (such as via a port or socketID/address, or other such mechanism) for IP packets intended for thesubscriber premises/address that they serve.

It will be appreciated that while the exemplary embodiments presentedherein are described in the context of Internet services that includemulticast and unicast data, the present invention is applicable to othertypes of services that include multicast transmission of data deliveredover a network having multiple physical channels or even virtual orlogical channels. For example, switching between various physicalchannels that comprise a virtual channel, can itself be conductedaccording to the “switched” approach. As a simple illustration, if afirst virtual channel is comprised of physical channels (e.g., QAMs) A,B and D, and a second virtual channel is comprised of QAMs C, E and F, acable modem (CM) or other CPE can be configured to switch between theA/B/D and C/E/F virtual channels as if they were a single QAM.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a premises network and associatedoperator-side network elements configured in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. A portal authentication server 201, LDAP(Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server 202 and gatewaymanagement server 204 are each coupled to a cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS) 156, 199 of a type well known in the art. These componentsare located at the head-end 150 in the illustrated embodiment, althoughit will be appreciated that the components may be disposed at variousother locations as desired consistent with the architecture implemented(e.g., at the BSA hub in a BSA network). The CMTS 156, 199 is coupledalso to an internet (e.g., the Internet) 208 which is located externalto the head-end 150, such as via an Internet (IP) backbone or gateway(not shown).

The CMTS 156, 199 is in the illustrated embodiment coupled to multiplehouseholds or other premises, including the exemplary illustratedhousehold 240. In particular, the CMTS 156, 199 is coupled via theaforementioned HFC network and local coaxial cable or fiber drop to thepremises 140, including the consumer premises equipment (CPE) 106. Theexemplary CPE 106 is in signal communication with any number ofdifferent devices including, e.g., a wired telephony unit 222, a Wi-Fior other wireless-enabled phone 224, a Wi-Fi or other wireless-enabledlaptop 226, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, an H.323 terminalor gateway, etc. Additionally, the CPE 106 is also coupled to a digitalvideo recorder (DVR) 228 and diplexer 230 via a coax cable. Anetwork-to-coax bridge 231 places the coax environment in communicationwith a network (here, an Ethernet network complaint with IEEE Std.802.3, although any number of other network protocols and topologiescould be used) and a personal computer (PC) 232. The DVR 228 is alsoconnected to a television or other monitor 234, which may be incommunication via a wired or wireless interface (e.g., cabling, PAN or802.15 UWB micro-net, etc.).

A “home LAN” (HLAN) is created in the exemplary embodiment, which mayinclude for example the network formed over the installed coaxialcabling in the premises (described in greater detail below), the Wi-Finetwork, and so forth.

During operation, the CPE 106 exchanges signals with the CMTS 156, 199over the interposed coax (and/or other, e.g., fiber) bearer medium. Thesignals include e.g., Internet traffic, digital programming and otherdigital signaling or content such as digital (packet-based; e.g., VoIP)telephone service. The CPE 106 then exchanges this digital informationafter demodulation and any decryption (and any demultiplexing) to theparticular system(s) to which it is directed or addressed. For example,in one embodiment, a MAC address or IP address can be used as the basisof directing traffic within the client-side environment 240.

Any number of different data flows may occur within the network depictedin FIG. 2. For example, the CPE 106 may exchange digital telephonesignals from the CMTS 156, 199 which are further exchanged with thetelephone unit 222 or the Wi-Fi phone 224. The digital telephone signalsmay be IP-based such as Voice-over-IP (VoIP), or may utilize anotherprotocol or transport mechanism. The well known session initiationprotocol (SIP) may be used, for example, in the context of a “SIP phone”for making multi-media calls. The network may also interface with acellular or other wireless system, such as for example a 3G IMS (IPmultimedia subsystem) system, in order to provide multimedia callsbetween a user or consumer in the household domain 240 (e.g., using aSIP phone or H.323 terminal) and a mobile 3G telephone or personal mediadevice (PMD) user via that user's radio access network (RAN). See, e.g.,U.S. Patent Publication 2007-0094691 entitled “Method And Apparatus ForOn-Demand Content Transmission And Control Over Networks” of RobertGadzinski, filed Oct. 24, 2005, incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for all purposes, wherein media can be streamed between amobile unit and user CPE 106, including optionally in an on-demand orsession-based fashion. For example, content downloaded to the CPE 106 ofFIG. 2 herein could be streamed “on demand” to a mobile user, andsimilarly that mobile user (with proper authentication, etc.) couldstream content captured by the mobile device to the CPE 106 for laterviewing by that user, or by others within that user's family or “circle”of authorized viewers (sharing). So-called Push-to-talk (PTT) or“Push-to-anything” (PTx) session-based systems can also be usedconsistent with the invention, such as where a SIP-based device pushes avideo clip or other media file to another device using aninstantaneously generated SIP session over a 3G IMS or similar bearercoupled with a client device in the user domain 240.

The CPE 106 may also exchange Internet traffic (e.g., TCP/IP and otherpackets) with the CMTS 156, 199 which is further exchanged with theWi-Fi laptop 226, the PC 232, or other device by way of a diplexer 230and the exemplary coax bridge 231. CPE 106 may also receive digitalprogramming that is forwarded to the DVR 128 or to the television 134.Programming requests and other control information may be received bythe CPE 106 and forwarded to the CMTS as well. The CMTS routes theinformation to the corresponding subsystem within the head end 150 or toother systems located upstream from the CPE 106 (such as, for example,the switching hub in a broadcast switched architecture (BSA) network).

In another embodiment of the invention, a personal video encoder (PVE)or comparable device is used as part of or is in communication with theCPE 106 (or an associated client device coupled thereto). For example,the “Slingbox” device manufactured by Sling Media of San Mateo, Calif.is one such exemplary device which is capable of enabling a user towatch TV programming from various locations via an Internet-connected PCor similar device. The device is generally connected between thesubscriber's cable/satellite video drop and DSTB, and has a TV tunerinside. The user tunes to a given channel, and the device encodes thevideo streamed over the cable/satellite in Windows Media or similarformat. The encoded content is streamed to a client application on aWindows XP-based or similar PC via an IP network such as the Internet,and hence the user can view the data locally (i.e., at the samepremises) or remotely so long as he or she has access to the IPdistribution network. This functionality can be made part of a separatephysical component, or alternatively have some or all of itsfunctionality disposed within the CPE 106 itself. It may also beintegrated with other devices (such as connected client devices or PMDs)as previously noted.

It will be appreciated that the PVE may also be updated itself via thenetwork or other mechanism in terms of capabilities. For example, thePVE can receive new codecs or conditional access (CA) key data from thenetwork so that it can modify its own configuration. These “upgrades”can also be passed through to the subscriber viewing device (e.g.,remote PC).

It will also be recognized that the present invention may be used inconjunction with a number of different capabilities and features usefulwith traditional (prior art) CPE; for example, the error logging andreporting methods and apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,266,726, ofLadd et al., entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Event Logging in anInformation Network” filed Nov. 24, 2003, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety for all purposes. The aforementioneddisclosure describes methods and apparatus (including APIs) for loggingerrors that occur on client devices or CPE 106. In the present context,these errors can then be transmitted upstream to a responsible entity(e.g., management node, conditional access server, etc.) for furtheranalysis or correction.

Similarly, the hardware registry apparatus and methods described in U.S.Patent Publication 20050114900 of Ladd et al., entitled “Methods andApparatus for Hardware Registration in a Network Device” filed Nov. 24,2003, also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes, may be used, as described in the aforementioned Markleypublication. The CPE 106 described herein may either be of third-partyor leased origin, and hence may benefit under either model when used inconjunction with the foregoing hardware registry approach.

The software interface management apparatus and methods described inco-owned and co-pending U.S. Patent Publication 20060020950 of Ladd etal., filed Jun. 30, 2004 and entitled “Apparatus And Methods ForImplementation Of Network Software Interfaces”, also incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety for all purposes, can be used within theCPE 106 or associated devices, as described in the aforementionedMarkley publication.

In another aspect, the CPE 106 of the present invention is alsocompatible with the methods and apparatus disclosed in U.S. PatentPublication 20070204314 of Hasek et al., filed Feb. 27, 2006 andentitled “Methods And Apparatus For Selecting Digital Access TechnologyFor Programming And Data Delivery”, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety for all purposes, as described in theaforementioned Markley publication.

Exemplary functioning of the content server 2002 and the element labeled“outside the home” 2004 will be set forth below, after a description ofexemplary CPE 106 and an exemplary software architecture for same.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of the CPE 106 ofFIG. 2. The exemplary CPE 106 (also colloquially known as a “hive” incertain configurations due to its centralized yet multifunctionalnature) includes an RF front end 301, Wi-Fi interface 302, videointerface 316, “Plug n' Play” (PnP) interface 318 and Ethernet interface304, each directly or indirectly coupled to a bus 312. Themicroprocessor 306, storage unit 308, plain old telephone service(POTS)/public switched telephone network (PSTN) interface 314, andmemory unit 310 are also coupled to the exemplary bus 312. The memoryunit 310 typically comprises a random access memory (RAM) and storageunit 308 typically comprises a hard disk drive, an optical drive (e.g.,CD-ROM or DVD), NAND flash memory, or some combination thereof.

The CPE 106 also optionally may include a network processing unit (e.g.,network processor such as the Freescale/C-Port C-5 NP, not shown) toprocess the premises or home network (e.g., HLAN) services. The networkprocessor is in one embodiment capable of processing 200 Mbps of realtime Ethernet traffic, although other data rates may clearly besupported. The network processor also provides the ability to downloadfirmware updates via TFTP or another selected protocol as desired.

The illustrated CPE 106 can assume literally any discrete form factor,including those adapted for desktop, floor-standing, or wall-mounteduse, or alternatively may be integrated in whole or part (e.g., on acommon functional basis) with other devices if desired.

It will be recognized that while a linear or centralized busarchitecture is shown as the basis of the exemplary embodiment of FIG.3, other bus architectures and topologies may be used. For example, adistributed or multi-stage bus architecture may be employed. Similarly,a “fabric” or other mechanism (e.g., crossbar switch, RAPIDIO interface,non-blocking matrix, TDMA or multiplexed system, etc.) may be used asthe basis of at least some of the internal bus communications within thedevice. Furthermore, many if not all of the foregoing functions may beintegrated into one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices in the formof an ASIC or “system-on-a-chip” (SoC). Myriad other architectures wellknown to those in the data processing and computer arts may accordinglybe employed.

It will also be recognized that the CPE configuration shown isessentially for illustrative purposes, and various other configurationsof the CPE 106 are consistent with other embodiments of the invention.For example, the CPE 106 in FIG. 3 may not include all of the elementsshown, and/or may include additional elements and interfaces such as forexample an interface for the HomePlug A/V standard which transmitsdigital data over power lines, a PAN (e.g., 802.15), Bluetooth, or othershort-range wireless interface for localized data communication, etc.

Four (4) standard 10/100 Base T Ethernet ports for the purpose of a HomeLAN connection are provided in the exemplary device of FIG. 3; however,it will be received that other rates (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet or10-Gig-E) and local networking protocols (e.g., X.25, etc.) may be used.These interfaces may be serviced via a WLAN interface, wired rj-45ports, or otherwise. The CPE 106 also includes a plurality of RJ-11ports for telephony interface, as well as a plurality of USB (e.g., USB2.0) ports, and IEEE-1394 (Firewire) ports. S-video and other signalinterfaces may also be provided if desired.

Various indications are optionally utilized within the CPE 106,including e.g., a WAN light-emitting diode (LED) or other indicator toshow cable modem link and activity, e.g., a LAN—802.3 LED or otherindicator to show link and activity on one or more of the Ethernetports, as well as a LAN—802.11 LED or indicator to show that the radiointerface is enabled, and activity thereon. Telephony and other LEDs orindicators may also be provided using any number of schemes readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill. Furthermore, a “soft” display(e.g., thin-film transistor (TFT) display or liquid crystal display(LCD) having software generated indications) may be used on the CPE 106(or a remote device in communication therewith) to provide a flexibledisplay environment. The methods and apparatus of co-owned andco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/773,664 filed Feb. 6,2004 entitled “Methods And Apparatus For Display Element Management InAn Information Network,” expressly incorporated herein by reference inits entirety for all purposes, may be used within the CPE 106 or othercommunicating devices, as set forth in the aforementioned Markleypublication.

The CPE 106 mass storage device 308 of the illustrated embodimentcomprises a Serial-ATA (SATA) or Ultra-ATA (also known as Ultra-DMA, orATA-4/5/6/7) hard disk drive for the operating system and contentstorage of at least 300 GB, although higher capacities and even RAIDarrays may be used for this purpose. The CPE 106 hard disk is preferablyremovable without the need for tools, and the CPE 106 is also configuredallow for an external USB (e.g., USB 2.0) drive to be attached andautomatically added to the existing storage. It will also be appreciatedthat USB keys of the type well known in the art can be used consistentwith the USB port(s) of the CPE 106, so as to make the data storagedevice highly mobile and of very small size.

During operation of the CPE 106, software located in the storage unit308 is run on the microprocessor 306 using the memory unit 310 (e.g., aprogram memory within or external to the microprocessor). The softwarecontrols the operation of the other components of the system, andprovides various other functions within the CPE. Other systemsoftware/firmware may also be externally reprogrammed, such as using adownload and reprogramming of the contents of the flash memory,replacement of files on the storage device or within other non-volatilestorage, etc. This allows for remote reprogramming or reconfiguration ofthe CPE 106 by the MSO or other network agent.

The RF front end 301 of the exemplary embodiment comprises a cable modemof the type known in the art. In this fashion, and content or datanormally streamed over the cable modem can be received and distributedby the CPE 106, such as for example packetized video (e.g., IPTV). Thedigital data exchanged using RF front end 301 includes IP or otherpacketized protocol traffic that provides access to internet service. Asis well known in cable modem technology, such data may be streamed overone or more dedicated QAMs resident on the HFC bearer medium, or evenmultiplexed or otherwise combined with QAMs allocated for contentdelivery, etc. The packetized (e.g., IP) traffic received by the CPE 106may then be exchanged with other digital systems in the localenvironment 240 (or outside this environment by way of a gateway orportal) via, e.g. the Wi-Fi interface 302, Ethernet interface 304 orplug-and-play (PnP) interface 318.

It will be appreciated, however, that the RF front end 301 of the CPEmay comprise (either in addition to or in place of the cable modem) atraditional video RF front end 301 (e.g., tuner) adapted to receivevideo signals over, e.g., a QAM. For example, one exemplary embodimentof the RF front end 301 comprises one or more tuners, a demodulator,decryption module, and demultiplexer of the type well known in the art,although other configurations may be used. A wideband tuner arrangementsuch as that described in co-owned and co-pending U.S. PatentPublication 20060130113 of Carlucci et al. entitled “Method andApparatus for Wideband Distribution of Content” filed Dec. 15, 2004 andincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes, mayalso be utilized, such as where the content associated with one or moreprogram streams is distributed across two or more QAMs. Additionally,the RF front end 301 modulates, encrypts/multiplexes as required, andtransmits digital information for receipt by upstream entities such asthe CMTS or a network server. Digital data transmitted via the RF frontend 301 may include, for example, MPEG-2 encoded programming data thatis forwarded to a television monitor via the video interface 316.Programming data may also be stored on the CPE storage unit 308 forlater distribution by way of the video interface 316, or using the Wi-Fiinterface 302, Ethernet interface 304, Firewire (IEEE Std 1394),USB/USB2, or any number of other such options.

Programming and other types of data including pictures, video, music orMP3 files, software applications, metadata files, etc. may also bereceived by way of the various digital interfaces in the CPE 106. Thesedata may be stored locally (e.g., in the CPE storage unit 308) or evenon a client device or network agent in communication with the CPE 106,for later use by a user. For example, a user may receive a JPEG or otherimage from a friend's cellular phone camera, which can then be “pushed”(e.g., via wireless application protocol (WAP) push, IP MultimediaSubsystem (IMS), Bluetooth® (certification mark of the Bluetooth specialinterest group) object exchange (OBEX) K-11 exchange, etc.) to acorresponding interface on the CPE 106, wherein the image is stored onthe mass storage device 308. Similarly, video data from a connected DVDplayer/burner might be streamed from the player to the CPE 106 forstorage thereon (or distribution via yet another interface, such as viathe Ethernet interface to the user's connected PC or via Wi-Fi interfaceto his or her laptop). Many different movements of many different typesof data can be accomplished using the CPE, as the CPE acts as asubstantially universal “hub” for moving (and transcoding,encrypting/decrypting, compressing, formatting, etc.) data betweenvarious different hardware and software environments.

The microprocessor 306 (or other dedicated processor; not shown) canalso optionally be configured to run a server process (such as an httpserver process) that can be used by the remote system to view andconfigure the status of the CPE 106, such as via an http or other suchbrowser application. The browser can, inter alia, display the list offiles included on the mass storage unit 308, including the differentmedia files, pictures and music files. The server process also can actas a proxy for other processes running on the CPE 106, thereby allowingfor greater flexibility with respect to asynchronous interfaces of theCPE.

Other devices such as portable music players (e.g., MP3 audio players)may be coupled to the CPE 106 via any number of different interfaces,and music and other media files downloaded for portable use and viewing.In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the storage unit 208may include a writable optical drive for writing media files toremovable optical disks. So-called “Compactflash®” memory cartridges(registered mark of Sandisk Corporation) or other media may also bereceived within the CPE 106 (or a connected reader/writer), so thate.g., music files, digital camera image data, etc. can be readily movedfrom device to device (or from network environment to other networkenvironment).

One or more embodiments of the present invention also contemplate theuse of one substantially universal or converged interface and associatedclient device, such as a cellular telephone or personal media device(PMD) with personal digital assistant (PDA) capabilities, image-qualitydigital camera, IMS (IP Multimedia subsystem) or comparable mediastreaming, digital music/video player, Wi-Fi card or interface,Bluetooth® transceiver, and so forth.

By incorporating the various components, interfaces, and functionalityin the CPE 106 as described herein, a single system is capable ofproviding many of the services commonly employed to acquire and utilizemedia files and other digital information. Using a single system toprovide these services increases user/subscriber economy andconvenience. For example, a user may want to listen to music whileviewing pictures. He or she may also want to burn an optical disk withmusic, video, and/or pictures (or some combination thereof). See, e.g.,U.S. Patent Publication 2006-0218604 of Riedl et al., filed Mar. 14,2005, entitled “Method And Apparatus For Network Content Download AndRecording” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety forall purposes, for one exemplary recording-capable “client device” andassociated methods that may be used consistent with the presentinvention. Locating all the files on a single unit with the ability tointerface with other systems such as Wi-Fi, Firewire® IEEE 1394interface (registered mark of Apple, Inc.), universal serial bus (USB),personal area network (PAN), Ethernet, 5 GHz WLAN, etc. alsoadvantageously allows the media files to be viewed by other systems orclient devices connected to the CPE 106 via these interfaces.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the CPE106 includes a DOCSIS cable modem for delivery of traditional broadbandInternet services. This connection is preferably shared by all Internetdevices in the premises 240; e.g. Internet protocol television (IPTV)devices, PCs, laptops, etc. In addition, the CPE 106 can be remotelymanaged (such as from the head end 150, or another remote network agent)to support IP services such as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol(DHCP), Domain Name System (DNS), network address translation (NAT) andfirewall capabilities as well as anti-virus, pop-up blocking, andspyware protection.

The CPE 106 of the present invention (and parent network) may also beconfigured for alternate high-speed data capability (i.e., in additionto or in place of the cable modem high-speed data interface previouslydescribed). For example, in one exemplary variant, the CPE uses themethods and apparatus of co-owned and co-pending U.S. Patent Publication20060130107 of Gonder et al., entitled “Method and Apparatus for HighBandwidth Data Transmission in Content-Based Networks” filed Dec. 15,2004 and expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety forall purposes, as described in the Markley publication.

The CPE 106 also preferably creates a home Local Area Network (LAN)utilizing the existing coaxial cable in the home. For example, anEthernet-over-coax based technology allows services to be delivered toother devices in the home utilizing a frequency outside (e.g., above)the traditional cable service delivery frequencies. For example, oneembodiment of the invention uses frequencies on the order of 1150 MHz todeliver data and applications to other devices in the home such as PCs,PMDs, media extenders and set-top boxes. The coaxial network is merelythe bearer; devices on the network utilize Ethernet or other comparablenetworking protocols over this bearer. The bridging device(s) 231 ofFIG. 2 may take any number of forms including being embedded into otherdevices; e.g., as hardware/software/firmware within set top boxes, as acard or similar removable module, or alternatively comprising anexternal or stand-alone device for connecting PCs and other Ethernetbased devices to the coax home network.

The exemplary CPE 106 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 acts as a Wi-Fi accesspoint (AP), thereby allowing Wi-Fi enabled devices (e.g., 12 in atypical configuration) to connect to the home network and accessInternet, media, and other resources on the network. It will berecognized, however, that the CPE 106 may also act as a slave or station(STA) within an ad hoc or other Wi-Fi network, such as where anotherdevice on the premises 140 acts as the AP. The CPE 106 can include thisWi-Fi capability in a dedicated radio suite (e.g., one or more ICs orASICs), as part of a larger system-on-chip (SoC) device, as a Wi-Ficard, or even as an external device that communicates with the CPE 106or other associated device via a cable or similar connection.

The Wi-Fi interface also provide wired equivalent privacy (WEP), Wi-Fiprotected access (WPA) and WPA2 encryption services of the type wellknown in the art on one or more connections. The interface 302 also maysupport other protocols, such as the EAP/802.1x Std. for authentication(e.g., using a RADIUS server or the like). Similarly, the CPE 106 can beconfigured for other types of secure network or tunneling capabilities,such as the wireless transport layer security (WTLS) layer in a WAPstack (e.g., where the CPE acts as a WAP gateway or proxy), or virtualprivate networking (VPN). Media access control (MAC) level filtering mayalso be utilized.

In one embodiment, the Wi-Fi interface provides service oversubstantially all of the premises where it is used; however, otherschemes for providing additional coverage can be used as well (such as“daisy-chaining” APs together, etc.). The interface's operating channelis set automatically by scanning for a free channel and initializing theaccess point on that channel.

The Wi-Fi phone 224 connects to high speed data services via the cablemodem previously described, and allows the user to place calls through adigital phone service (a non-limiting example of which is Time WarnerCable digital phone server). Connection to the digital phone service (anon-limiting example of which is Time Warner Cable VoIP) advantageouslyallows current VoIP customers to use the CPE 106 as a telephony gateway,with the CPE 106 also providing Embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter(EMTA) functionality. In this fashion, digital phone customers are ableto utilize the exemplary CPE 106 as a replacement for their currentMTA/EMTA. By plugging traditional analog (e.g., POTS) phones into RJ-11or comparable ports on the CPE 106, users/customers are able to placephone calls via digital telephone services (such as the aforementionedTime Warner Cable Digital Phone Service). It will be appreciated that adigital cordless (e.g., 900 MHz, 5 GHz, etc.) telephone or other similardevice can be used in this capacity; the POTS interface is agnostic tothe type of device used, so long as it complies with standardizedtelephony signaling and electrical/mechanical specifications). In theexemplary embodiment, the CPE 106 has all MTA functionality containedtherein, such as via ICs and other electronic circuits and software asis well known in the digital telephony arts.

One feature of the exemplary CPE 106 of FIG. 3 is the ability to act asa central content repository for video (or still) content delivered fromDVRs or other such media devices in the premises. In order to accomplishthis, various resources in the CPE 106 (including the RF tuners and diskdrive(s)) are pooled. For example, the CPE 106 advantageously providesthe ability to ingest content from DVRs or other such devices in thehome via its Ethernet-over-coaxial interface. The CPE 106 can alsodiscover STBs or other client devices in the home withEthernet-over-coax capabilities, and generate a resource map tableincluding tuners, disk drives and status, to be used when ingesting andstreaming content. This also provides information for “pooling” ofresources for each PC, PMD, etc. across the premises network.

In the illustrated architecture, content recorded from any DVR orsimilar device can be delivered to the CPE 106 via theEthernet-over-coax connection, or another interface, for storage on theinternal mass storage device or another connected device (e.g., RAID).Content may then be securely delivered to any viewing location in thehome that shares a common security model via the various interfacesavailable, including e.g., Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Still content might beprovided, e.g., from a digital camera interfacing with PC 232 via a USBport.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a Universal Plugand Play (UPnP) AV media server is included within the CPE 106. The UPnPAV media server allows content such as music, videos and photos to bedelivered to UPnP media rendering/recording devices in the home. Contentdelivered to UPnP rendering and decoding devices will typically bepersonal content which does not require rights management (e.g., DRM) orcopy-protection. Alternatively, “protected” or DRM content can bedelivered with the appropriate security package to a rendering devicethat can receive and authenticate the security package. In one variant,no rendering or recording device is permitted to render or recordprotected content without proper authentication to the CPE 106 (i.e., toassure that the UPnP or similar device is in fact authorized to receivethe content). In another variant, the rendering device can be configuredto authenticate the source of the content (i.e., will only render orrecord content from an authenticated source). For example, the apparatusand methods described in U.S. Patent Publication 2006-0218604 of Riedlet al., previously incorporated herein, can be used to provide suchfunctionality, although other approaches may be used as well.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, set-top boxes orother CPE in the home (such as e.g., a DVR 128 enabled device) are ableto render music, photos, video, or other media served by the CPE 106 byway of an OCAP-compliant application which works with the OCAP DigitalNavigator application (or another comparable navigator). This clientapplication typically contains the UPnP control point and renderingmodule needed to browse and display available content to the TV oranother display device coupled to the STB.

Subscribers may use a web-based computer (e.g., PC) application toperform content upload, render and management operations on the CPE 106,although other software environments are contemplated as well. Thisweb-based user interface (UI) can be indigenous, or delivered to the PCvia a webserver running on the CPE 106. The application is adapted toidentify whether one or more prerequisites needed to run the application(which might include for example the JAVA Runtime Environment,Microsoft.NET™ Framework 1.1 application, and or other applications) aresatisfied. If these required applications are not available on thetarget computer, then the application will prompt the user, and offer toload the prerequisites before loading the aforementioned user interface.Once all prerequisites have been met, the web browser can be launchedwith the CPE 106 user interface.

The basic operations of the UI preferably include browsing the localcomputer for personal content or media such as photos, music and video,and (i) uploading it to the CPE 106, thereby allowing it to be sharedthroughout the premises (or beyond, as described below); (ii) renderingthe uploaded content back to the computer; (iii) managing the content onthe CPE 106; and (iv) allowing remote access to the content from anyInternet-enabled device capable of rendering the requested content.

The CPE 106 can also have speech recognition, text-to-speech (TTS),and/text-based messaging capability, as described in the Markleypublication.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, subscribers or otherusers of the CPE 106 have the ability to access their personal contentfrom any Internet connected PC, whether remote from or local to the CPE106. They also have the ability to remotely program the DVR at thepremises in order to record programs while they are away. For instance,in one exemplary variant, a portal such as, but not limited to, the TimeWarner Cable “Road Runner®” Portal (registered mark of Warner Brothers,Inc.) is used to authenticate MSO subscribers, and redirect them to theCPE 106 in their premises. Remote access to the CPE 106 will typicallybe provided via the cable modem, although the present invention alsocontemplates the use of other channels (such as for example via a PSTNor cellular telephone, web server, etc.) to gain access to the CPE 106.

The DVD burner or other recording device associated with the CPE 106 canalso be used to backup or store personal content and PC configurationfiles to DVDs. In another embodiment of the invention, a link or othersuch function resident on the web interface allows users to back upcontent via a DVD burner built into or integrated with the CPE 106.Alternatively (or in conjunction with the local backup option), databackup services can be provided via the network head-end 150. Forexample, personal PC data or configuration information can be deliveredto a head-end storage facility (e.g., RAID array) via the DOCSIS cablemodem interface or other upstream communications channel (e.g., an 00Bupstream channel).

In one embodiment of the CPE 106, after installation thereof (whetherself-install by the subscriber, or installation by a technician), theCPE 106 allows a subscriber or technician to use a web browser orsimilar familiar interface to configure simple home network parameterssuch as, e.g., those relating to DHCP, DNS and Firewall. Thisconfiguration may also be performed remotely by a central provisioningsystem, or locally as well. Such configuration is of use in selectingcertain content to be (automatically) shared in accordance with certaintechniques of the invention, as discussed below.

Another module of the web interface provided by the CPE 106 allows theuser to browse local content on their PC (or other connected devices)such as pictures, music, videos and other media or applications, andupload them to the CPE 106. This module also allows users to managecontent via, e.g., “add,” “delete,” “move,” and “rename” functions.

The CPE 106 UPnP server may also be configured to detect newly uploadedcontent, and/or changes made to stored content, and make this new orupgraded content available to network media rendering devices. Thiscontent “refresh” process can be event or occurrence driven (upon theoccurrence of a given event such as receipt of a user-initiated “update”or “refresh” operation), periodically (e.g., every X minutes), oraccording to any number of other different schemes. In an alternateembodiment, for example, new content is signaled to the CPE 106 via adownstream message issued by the head-end server or another networkagent/proxy, to which the CPE 106 responds with a refresh operation(download of the new content), and even optional alert to the user via aconnected display device, audible cue, etc.

Another module of the exemplary web interface allows the user to view,on the PC or other device in data communication with the CPE 106,personal content served from the CPE 106 via the IP or other interface.

An optional DHCP server running on the CPE 106 manages IP addressgeneration and dissemination on the coax, Wi-Fi, and other localnetworks in communication with the CPE 106. The cable modem (e.g.,DOCSIS) interface of the exemplary embodiment is set to DHCP, andobtains an IP address from the CMTS DHCP server on the appropriateDOCSIS channel.

Internet and Wi-Fi phone traffic is preferably routed from both the coaxand Wi-Fi interfaces to the cable modem interface. The CPE 106 alsoincludes the means (e.g., a software module) for doing network addresstranslation (NAT) of the Wi-Fi and coax interfaces, although it will beappreciated that other approaches to address management may be used aswell.

Other DVRs or similar recording devices in the home can receive contentfrom the hard drive or mass storage of the CPE 106, thereby allowingplayback to happen at viewing locations other than the one where thecontent was recorded. These other locations may be in direct or indirectcommunication with the CPE; e.g., connected to or communicating with theCPE directly, or communicating via a gateway, router, or otherintermediary device.

A premises gateway software management package (application) is alsoprovided to control, configure, monitor and provision the CPE 106 fromthe cable head-end 150 or other remote network node via the cable modem(DOCSIS) interface. This control allows a remote user to configure andmonitor the CPE 106 and home network.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the CPE 106 systemhardware complies with all FCC rules and regulations that apply to cabletelevision equipment, as well all applicable UL rules and regulations.The exemplary CPE hardware operates on 110±20 VAC, 50-60 Hz, andincludes the ability to send and receive a combined minimum aggregatebandwidth of 100 Mbps (summed over all interfaces).

In some instances, the Ethernet port (e.g., 10/100/1000/10,000) or othernetwork interface provides auto-negotiation capabilities (e.g., forconnection data rate and half- or full-duplex). The exemplary Ethernetinterfaces also provide auto-MDI/MDIX (medium-dependentinterface/medium-dependent interface crossover). This automaticMDI/MDI-X feature provides the ability to automatically detect therequired cable connection type and configure the CPE properly to makeuse of the indigenous cable type. This feature effectively allows allEthernet cables usable with any Ethernet device to be connected to theCPE 106 without any additional modification or external logic. In oneembodiment, the CPE 106 can identify the cable connection type andadjust its MDI port to the cable by switching between the twisted and“straight” pairs. The auto switching function is typically accomplishedprior to the auto-negotiation algorithm previously described, althoughother configurations are possible (e.g., a ‘test-and-then-configure asneeded” type approach). The CPE 106 can also optionally disableauto-negotiation and MDI/MDIX and can be manually configured.

The CPE 106 also optionally includes a MoCA, retail compliantF-connector for providing data over coax capability. The exemplary MoCAport operates in the 1125-1525 MHz band, although other frequencies(MoCA compliant or otherwise) may be used for this purpose if desired.The MoCA frequencies can be multiplexed onto the cable input port of theCPE 106, or sent over another channel (e.g., dedicated channel orinterface).

The exemplary MoCA interface (not shown) of the CPE 106 is compliantwith the Media Over Coax Alliance standard v1.1. The MoCA interface hasa maximum physical layer latency of 5 ms, and its transmitter does notexceed +3 dBm (58.1 dBmV). It operates over standard 75 Ohm RG-59 andRG-6 coax, and can be selectively disabled if desired.

The exemplary MoCA interface supports a minimum of 100 Mbps of effectivedata throughput, at 1364 byte or greater packet size, up to 68 dB ofattenuation, and minimum 60 Mbps of effective data throughput at 1364byte or greater packet size between 68 dB and 80 dB, although otherperformance capabilities may be used consistent with the invention. TheMoCA interface of the illustrated CPE 106 also supports a minimum of 8active nodes on the coax network.

The CPE 106 also provides a diagnostic mode that allows packet transferto another device on the MoCA network to characterize the coax network.These diagnostics provide, inter alia, modulation scheme, datathroughput, transmit power, receive power, packet or bit error rate(PER/BER), attenuation and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) feedback fromeach device during the test. The CPE 106 is also configured to query thenumber of active devices attached to the MoCA network, and provide alist or output of the active devices based on MAC address.

The MoCA interface maintains at least a 1E-5 Packet Error Rate (i.e.,less than or equal to this value). Furthermore, the MoCA interface isconfigured within the CPE 106 so as to not degrade video quality when itis co-located with a tuner, or interfere with a co-located DOCSISinterface or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) interface. In the exemplaryembodiment, interference is mitigated or eliminated using an exemplaryelectromagnetic interference (EMI) (Faraday) noise shield of the typewell known in the art, although other approaches (including for examplespecific component orientation and placement) may be used as well.

The CPE 106 also optionally includes a switched packet interface betweenthe Ethernet port and the MoCA interface. In one embodiment, datatraffic flows through the CPE 106 between the Ethernet or other networkinterface and MoCA ports without requiring host processor intervention.

The exemplary CPE 106 also provides “spanning tree” functionality inorder to avoid or mitigate HLAN traffic loops between the switchedEthernet, Wi-Fi, and MoCA interfaces. A minimum packet size of 1364bytes is specified when transferring video over the MoCA HLAN interface,although other minimum packet sizes can be used if desired. This packetsize requirement insures that maximum effective throughput over thephysical medium. Remote network monitoring (RMON) statistics for theEthernet, Wi-Fi and MoCA interfaces can also be optionally provided toenhance CPE (and network) operational analysis.

The exemplary CPE 106 is also DOCSIS (e.g., 2.0) and PacketCable (e.g.,Version 1.5) compliant. The exemplary firmware for the CPE 106 alsosupports CableHome 1.1 functionality, as well as CableOffice CommercialAnnex Specification 1.0. A “residential gateway” mode is also supportedwithin the firmware that provides network address translation (NAT) androuting functionality, optionally without receiving a CableHomeconfiguration file.

The exemplary Wi-Fi wireless interface 302 is also configured to providea plurality (e.g., four (4)) of unique service set identifiers (SSIDs)simultaneously. These SSIDs are configurable (locally or remotely), suchas via a web page. The exemplary interface 302 also provides statusinformation including for example the MAC of the connected devices, IPaddress and connection speed. This status information is also madeavailable to remote monitoring systems. The interface firmware may alsobe made remotely upgradeable, such as for example via a cable modem(DOCSIS) channel. SNMP monitoring capabilities (which include active orinactive states, current channel, free channels, SSIDs and connecteddevice number, MAC, IP address and connection speed) are also providedfor the interface 302.

In one exemplary embodiment, the CPE 106 includes one or moreomni-directional antennas, such as for example a 5.5 dBi gain “rubberduck” Omni antenna operating between 2400-2500 MHz. This antennautilizes an impedance level of approx. 50 Ohm, with voltage standingwave ratio (VSWR) less than 2.0.

In some instances, the CPE 106 advantageously provides the ability toingest content from DVRs or other such devices in the home via itsEthernet-over-coaxial interface. The CPE 106 can also discover STBs orother client devices in the home with Ethernet-over-coax capabilities,and generate a resource map table including tuners, disk drives andstatus, to be used when ingesting and streaming content. This alsoprovides information for “pooling” of resources for each PC, PMD, etc.across the premises network.

The exemplary CPE 106 can also present a catalog of available content tothe STBs/client devices using, e.g., the UPnP AV format. The CPE 106 canmonitor the resources in the home and communicate contention issues tothe STB/client device user interface as well.

The CPE 106 is also configured to receive and store security packagesassociated with encrypted content from DVRs or other devices in thepremises network 140. The CPE 106 can deliver the security packages (andcontent to STBs/client devices) in the premises for playback. Note thatthe STB or client device that decodes the requested content may not bethe same as the STB or other device that captured the content anddelivered it to the CPE 106. The CPE 106 can also stream content orother data from a local hard drive (e.g., the mass storage device 308)to the HLAN or other interfaces. The CPE 106 can also stream content tomultiple HLAN ports simultaneously from a single instance of the UPnP AVserver, and supports Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)“snooping”. The CPE 106 is also configured to be resistant/resilient todenial of service attacks on all WAN and HLAN interfaces.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the underlyingCPE 106 operating system (O/S) is configured to allow for individualsoftware modules to be loaded and run. The exemplary embodiment of theCPE 106 supports DHCP server functionality for providing IP addresses tothe home network via both the Wi-Fi and MoCA interfaces (as well asothers if required). The CPE 106 can manually configure static IPaddresses for requesting devices based on MAC address.

The CPE 106 may also be made compliant with the Digital Living NetworkAlliance (DLNA) requirements such as DLNA version 1.0 or laterversion(s) thereof. The CPE 106 can automatically discover all DLNAcapable clients during boot up or other events, and present theavailable content catalog to one or more clients. The CPE 106 canautomatically start a DLNA-compatible media server at boot using onlythe aforementioned MoCA and/or Wi-Fi network interfaces.

In this role, the CPE 106 is configured to poll the HDD once every n(e.g., 300) seconds for newly available content or content variation andpropagate the list of available content to the PC 232 user interface andDLNA clients. This parameter is configurable from the user's webinterface.

The CPE 106 provides the capability to transmit/deliver a plurality ofSD and HD video formats including, without limitation, MPEG-1, MPEG-2,MPEG-4, AVC/H.264, WMV, VC-1, AVI and Real. The CPE 106 also is capableof transmitting/delivering a plurality of audio formats including e.g.,MPEG-2 Audio, AC-3, AC-3+, AAC+, MP3, Real and WMA. A plurality of photoor image formats are also supported, including e.g., Graphic Image File(GIF), Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), Bitmap (BMP) and TagImage File Format (TIFF). The CPE 106 can also signal real-timestreaming services that are available via the cable modem (e.g., DOCSIS)tuner resources.

In the exemplary embodiment, the CPE itself does not contain a decoderfor decoding audio/video/media (this is essentially pushed off to theconnected media rendering/recording devices); however, it will berecognized that such decoder capability (as well as transcoding, e.g.decoding in a first format and then encoding in a second format) can beimplemented within the CPE 106 if desired.

One embodiment of the CPE 106 includes an algorithm that can assemble1364-byte (or other numbers of bytes) packets when sending real-timevideo services via user datagram protocol (UDP) in order to maximizephysical layer effective throughput. This functionality improves themaximum effective throughput over the physical medium. The CPE can alsosend streaming video as a unicast service unless one or more devices areaccessing the content simultaneously. In this event a multicast(including optionally broadcast) service can be used. This requirementattempts to preserve physical layer bandwidth. Along these lines, themethods and apparatus described in co-pending and co-owned U.S. PatentPublication 2007-0153820 of Gould filed Jan. 3, 2006 and entitled“Methods and Apparatus For Efficient IP Multicasting in a Content-BasedNetwork,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes, can be used consistent with the invention, as set forth in theMarkley publication.

The CPE 106 can also act as a QOS policy enforcement point in thepremises network 140. For example, the CPE 106 can receive and honorpolicy enforcement configuration files from the head-end or otherprovisioning system. An 802.1p tag or similar mechanisms can be used toidentify QOS priority. For example, a “priority 1” tag can be insertedfor streaming video, while a “priority 2” tag can be inserted for VOIPdata, a tag of “priority 3” for audio only services, a tag of “priority4” for all other services, and so forth. Other schemes (which may evenbe dynamic in nature based on, e.g., user preferences, management entityprovisioning, etc.) may also be used consistent with the invention. TheCPE 106 can configure the MoCA, Ethernet and other relevant interfacesto handle the data of these defined priorities in the proper order.

The CPE 106 may also include a remote diagnostics application thatoperates at least on the network processor (NP) core. The CPE 106provides remote diagnostics and control (including selectively disablingand/or reconfiguring the MoCA, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or other interfacesremotely) accessible from one or more of the various interfaces,including the internal DOCSIS cable modem.

The software suite of the exemplary CPE 106 also provides a number ofother diagnostic and monitoring functions, including: (i) RMON packetstatistics from any of the premises LAN interfaces; (ii) the Ethernetport(s) configuration; (iii) speed, duplex, MDI/MDI-X, activity and linkstatus; (iv) MoCA node configuration for each active MoCA node; (v) MoCAMAC control parameters from each active node on the network; (vi) MoCAPHY control parameters from each active node on the network; (vii) MoCAVendor ID parameters from each active node on the network; (viii) MoCAtraffic statistics from each active node on the network; (ix) running aPacket Error test between active nodes on each premises LAN device; (x)a backup feature whereby PC 232 or other client device configuration andfiles can be identified and stored on the CPE 106 for recovery in theevent of a hardware/software failure on that device (including full andtargeted or incremental backups).

The CPE 106 also provides a mechanism to identify new devices on thenetwork and grant or deny network resources to the new device based on,e.g. conditional access privileges or business rules. The CPE 106 alsoincludes a web interface for the user implemented via a lightweight webserver. The CPE 106 may also insure that the PC 232 or other clientdevice used to access this web interface is properly configured with theappropriate software to run the web application. This may include forexample the JAVA Runtime Environment and the UPnP control point andmedia rendering software. If the PC 232 or client device does not meetthese requirements, the web application will attempt to install theneeded components on the PC such as by obtaining them locally (i.e.,they may be stored on the mass storage device 308), or requesting orretrieving them from a network entity (e.g., the head-end 150, or adedicated or third-party application server 104). However, the CPE 106can also be configured to warn users that additional software is needed,and will be loaded, or giving the user the option to cancel theinstallation. The CPE 106 can also remotely launch the PC/client deviceuser interface application once all software components are installedand operable. The CPE 106 web applications allow the user to browselocal personal content on the PC and upload it to appropriatedirectories on the CPE 106. These directories include, e.g., directoriesfor video, music, imagery, data, and so forth. In the Markley et al.invention, these directories may also be selectively enabled by the userfor sharing with others, so as to permit a third party to access theshared (i.e., image or music) folders with their friends, family, soforth, somewhat akin to the prior art Kodak Easyshare image sharingfunctionality. Sharing may also be subject to authentication and/orencryption procedures of the type well known in the art, if desired.Advantageously, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, asdiscussed further below, rather than require friends and family toaccess such directories directly on CPE 106 over a cable televisionnetwork, content to be shared can be uploaded to a content server, whichcan be made Internet-accessible.

As previously noted, the CPE 106 web applications also may provide theuser content management actions that include “Move,” “Copy,” “Rename”and “Delete” functions. The user can also be provided with the abilityto back up his or her personal content to DVDs via an internal DVDburner if installed, as well as to view any personal content (e.g.,video, music, images, etc.) on the PC from the UPnP server on the CPE106.

The CPE 106 web applications also provide the users the ability tomonitor the home network and show connected MOCA and Wi-Fi devices. TheCPE 106 web application is configured to present a consistent look andfeel throughout the application, thereby simplifying user interface andmaking it more intuitive. The web application also can incorporate a“personalization engine” to provide user access control over protectedcontent. Parental control rules invoked on the STB can also be carriedover to the PC 232 or other client device application and remotelyaccessed content.

It will further be recognized that the present invention can be used inconjunction with a so-called “trusted domain” for content and other dataprotection if desired, as described in the Markley publication.Exemplary trusted domain apparatus (and methods) are described inco-owned and co-pending U.S. Patent Publication 2006-0047957 of Helms etal., filed Dec. 7, 2004 and entitled “Technique For SecurelyCommunicating Programming Content” as well as U.S. Patent Publication2006-0020786 of Helms et al., filed on Jul. 20, 2004 and entitled“Technique for securely communicating and storing programming materialin a trusted domain,” both of the foregoing being expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

So-called “DCAS” systems (downloadable conditional access systems) mayalso be used consistent with the invention in order to define/enforcetrusted domains within the CPE environment 140, or other environments indata communication therewith.

The exemplary CPE 106 of FIG. 3 may also contain a secure microprocessor(e.g., security processor; not shown) which supports the trusted domain(such as, e.g., the Time Warner Cable Authorized Service Domain). TheCPE 106 can transfer content from the Authorized Service Domain (ASD) tothe digital rights management (DRM) license domain for content viewed onthe PC, or a PMD in communication with the PC 232 (FIG. 2) or CPE 106.

The CPE 106 also provides translation from different encryptionenvironments if required, such as from triple data encryption algorithm(3DES) to the advanced encryption standard (AES) cipher. The CPE 106 canalso act as a proxy to a head-end license manager (or other managemententity on the network) for content originating upstream of the head-end.For example, one variant of the invention contemplates a “local” or hubcontent manager entity disposed at the hub of the aforementioned BSAnetwork.

In another variant, the CPE 106 also includes a Home phone networking(HPN) interface, which makes use of indigenous telephony wiring. Alsocommonly referred to as “HomePNA”, this interface allows datainterchange between various locations within a localized site such as aresidence or small business. HPN systems are generally based on thespecifications developed by the Home Phone Networking Alliance (HPNA).HPNA Standard 1.0, the original version of the standard, sets forthspecifications for systems operating at 1 Mbps. Later versions of thestandard, HPNA 2.0 and 3.0, are based on technology developed by, interalia, Broadcom, and operate at a faster data rate (e.g., 10 Mbps andmore). Advantages of HPN systems include ease of installation, low cost,the ability to have multiple nodes on the network, compatibility withexisting networking and PC technologies, and effectively constant datarate (largely independent of concurrent telephone voice signals). HPNsystems also have the advantage of obviating expensive and complexserver, hub, and router devices. The HPN interface of the CPE 106, whenso equipped, uses phone jacks physically located near the desiredlocations of each computer, gateway, media device, or other networknode. This HPNA interface can also communicate with other interfaces onthe CPE 106, so as to provide seamless “pass through” of, for example IPpackets generated by a PC connected through a telephony jack and wiringto the CPE 106, and then out through another interface (e.g., MoCA orWi-Fi) to a personal media device or other such client device.

The CPE 106 of FIG. 3 may be configured within a content-based networkusing, for example, techniques disclosed in the aforementioned Markleypublication.

FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a software architectureof the CPE 106 (and other communicating entities within the network. Asshown in FIG. 4, the architecture 500 comprises a configuration “server”process 502, which may be disposed for example on residential gatewaymanagement server 204 shown in FIG. 2, or another network agent ifdesired. By disposing the server process 502 at the head-end or BSA hub,the server process can advantageously configure and provision multipleCPEs 106 simultaneously.

A corresponding client process 504 is disposed on each CPE 106; thisprocess allows the CPE 106 to receive/send information from/to theserver process 502, for e.g., remote configuration and provisioning ofthe CPE 106, monitoring of operations, statistics, status information,etc.

The client portion 504 may also be in logical communication with otherprocesses within the premises, such as for example the user interface(and configuration) process 506 running on the PC 232. Client processes508 on other devices, such as a wireless device coupled to the CPE 106via the wireless interface, can also communicate with the CPE process504.

The CPE 106 may also include various other processes 510, such as amedia server, web or http server, and so forth. These can be used in astand-alone fashion (e.g., where a PMD in the premises network merelyaccesses the media server in order to obtain stored personal contentfrom the CPE 106), or as a local proxy for other distant servers (suchas a remote third party web server, etc.).

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the CPE processes 504,506, 510 can communicate with head-end or hub processes such as theauthentication server (FIG. 2), IP telephony server (not shown), or evena VOD or application server (FIG. 1) if the CPE 106 is so equipped. Forexample, in one variant, the CPE 106 is configured to act as a STB VODsession proxy, utilizing e.g., LSCP or similar protocols to establishand manage VOD or other sessions on behalf of a connected STB, PMD orother device local within the premises.

The exemplary embodiment of the CPE 106 of the invention utilizes aLinux operating system, although it will be appreciated that any numberof different operating systems and software environments can be utilizedwithin the CPE 106. For example, the well-known Sun Microsystems Javaenvironment can be used consistent with one or more functions, as canthe Qualcomm “BREW” (binary runtime environment). Myriad differentsoftware architectures will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill,given the teachings herein.

Aspects of the invention relate to sharing content from theaforementioned CPE 106. Advantageously, the content is made availablenot only to the customer while in the home 240, but to friends, family,and others (who may live far away), as indicated by “outside the home”block 2004. Such friends, family and others may be specified by thecustomer and his or her designees. “Outside the home” block 2004 isoutside home 240, but may be within the home of one of theaforementioned friends, family and others.

The kind of content to be shared may include, for example, all kinds ofuser-generated content, e.g., photos, home video, and the like. Givingthe CPE 106 a public IP address would allow people to “ping” the CPE,and that address would provide access to the subscriber's CPE. Thisapproach would tend to expose the CPE to the rest of the world, whichcreates a potential security issue, as well as creating substantialupstream traffic on a network such as network 101 (for example, iftrying to stream videos from CPE 106 across the country).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a particular directory orset of directories are specified in storage 308 on the CPE (or otherappropriate configurations are employed) such that certain content isnot only stored on the CPE, but is also published out to a web (content)server 2002 up within the head end 150 (or in another location, forexample, one associated with a service provider such as the Flickr™photo sharing service available from Yahoo! Inc.). So when a friend,family member, or other authorized person wants to access the content,he or she accesses server 2002 or a similar server operated by or onbehalf of a third party service rather than accessing the CPE in thehome 240.

In one or more embodiments, such content is automatically sought betweenthe two areas (that is, (i) appropriate location in storage 308 and (ii)server 2002 or third party service provider's server). Accordingly, inone or more embodiments certain directories on the hard drive (or otherstorage 308) of the CPE 106 are automatically scanned and stored inanother location (server 2002 in head end 150 or elsewhere, such as atthe aforementioned service provider) where they are accessible via theInternet 208 (or otherwise, as discussed below). An agent can access thedirectory to see if anything new has been added and will upload the newportion to make it available for sharing. A multi-service operator (MSO)or a user may provide appropriate configuration parameters regardingwhich directories to look in and what content to publish (makeavailable). One simple approach is to list which directories areavailable for publication. A configuration parameter may be one that thecustomer can set locally to indicate which directories he or she wantspublished and by which servers (e.g., server 2002). An agent on the CPE106 will periodically look for updates and maintain synchronization withserver 2002.

Thus, in one aspect of the invention, an exemplary video content system(such as that shown in FIG. 2) includes a head end server module, whichmay be located in a head end 150 and include the functionality of one ormore of servers 201, 202, and 204, as well as CMTS 156, 199. Alsoincluded are content-sharing server 2002 (located in head end 150 orelsewhere) and video content network 101 coupled to the head end servermodule and the content-sharing server. The exemplary system alsoincludes a converged premises gateway module, such as CPE 106, coupledto the video content network 101 at a location (e.g., home 240) remotefrom the head end server module and the content-sharing server 2002. Theconverged premises gateway module in turn includes a processor 306 and avideo content network interface (such as a cable modem in RF front end301) coupled to the processor 306 and the video content network 101 andconfigured for communication with the head end server module over thevideo content network 101.

The premises gateway module also includes a memory module having apredetermined storage location (for example, one or more pre-determineddirectories in storage 308 (preferably a hard disk or other non-volatilememory), optionally residing on a dedicated partition) for content to beshared with the content-sharing server 2002, as well as a local areanetwork interface configured at least for distribution of video contentwithin the remote location (for example, video interface 316 coupled viacoax to DVR 228 and TV 234). The exemplary video content system alsoincludes an upload module configured to cause the content in thepredetermined storage location, such as on 308, to be uploaded to thecontent-sharing server 2002.

In some instances, the head end server module and the content-sharingserver 2002 are collocated in head end 150 of video content network 101.In other instances, the content-sharing server is located remotely fromthe head end server module at a location associated with a third partyservice provider, such as the aforementioned Flickr™ service. As noted,the content to be shared can include digital photographs and/or homevideos, and the like

The aforementioned upload module can be configured to periodically scanthe at least one pre-determined directory of the non-volatile memory 308for new content and cause the new content to be uploaded to thecontent-sharing server 2002. The at least one pre-determined directorycan be, for example, user-selectable, or pre-set by an operator of thevideo-content network 101. In some cases, the upload module comprises apush agent executable on the processor 306 of the gateway module, whilein other instances, the upload module comprises a pull module (e.g.,agent) accessible to (e.g., executing on or in association with) thecontent-sharing server 2002.

In one or more embodiments, the upload module is configured to cause thecontent in the predetermined storage location to be uploaded to thecontent-sharing server 2002 over the video content network 101. It willbe appreciated that the content need only be uploaded once, rather thaneach time requested (as might be the case where content was shareddirectly from CPE 106 to location 2004), thus reducing required upstreambandwidth. In a preferred embodiment, Internet service is provided tothe home 240 over CPE 106, using the cable modem in front end 301.

It should be noted at this point that in addition to a conventional HFCnetwork or the aforementioned switched digital network, other kinds ofvideo content networks can be employed for network 101 (e.g.,fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) or fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC)).

In some instances, the content-sharing server 2002 includes anassociated access-control module (for example, an appropriate softwareroutine) to limit access to the content uploaded to the content-sharingserver to pre-determined entities (e.g., family, friends, businessassociates, and the like). These types of entities are collectivelyshown as “outside the home” element 2004 in FIG. 2, representinglocations other than head end 150 and home 240 with which it is desiredto share content. In some instances, write access can also be granted tooutside-the-home entities, so that family, friends, business associates,and the like can send content to server 2002. As discussed below, insome instances, content on server 2002 is also downloaded to the home240.

In a presently preferred (but non-limiting) approach, content-sharingserver 2002 is Internet-accessible, as shown by the connection toInternet 208, such that the “outside the home” block 2004 can access theserver 2002 via the Internet, to obtain the content to be shared fromhome 240. However, in other instances, server 2002 may be madeaccessible to persons wishing to access the content to be shared via thevideo content network 101 (or both options might be made available).

As noted, CPE 106 may have a variety of different interfaces includedtherein. Advantageously, one such interface is a telephony interface,such as 314, in data communication with the video content networkinterface 301. The telephony interface can be configured to transmitpacketized voice data to the head end server module via the videocontent network interface 301.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for sharing content from:(i) a converged premises gateway module, such as 106, coupled to a videocontent network 101 having a head end server module, to: (ii) acontent-sharing server 2002, includes the step of providing at least oneuser premises 240 with a converged premises gateway module 106 of thekind described. The user premises 240 are remote from thecontent-sharing server 2002 and the head end server module in head end150. Additional steps include storing the content to be shared in apredetermined storage location, as described above, and causing thecontent in the predetermined storage location to be uploaded to thecontent-sharing server 2002. The latter steps can be executed by a pushagent or a pull module (e.g., agent), as described above.

Still another aspect of the invention is a method for sharing contentfrom: a content-sharing server, such as server 2002, to: a convergedpremises gateway module, such as module 106, coupled to a video contentnetwork having a head end server module. Such method can includeproviding at least one user premises 240 (remote from thecontent-sharing server 2002) with a converged premises gateway module ofthe kind described. Additional steps include accepting upload of contentto be shared to said content-sharing server 2002 from a location outsidesaid user premises (such as “outside the home” block 2004), and causingsaid content in said content-sharing server 2002 to be downloaded tosaid predetermined storage location on module 106.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a converged premises gatewaymodule of the kind described, which may be sold or leased by itself, andmay be intended for interconnection and operation as described above.

The invention can employ hardware and/or software aspects. Softwareincludes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode,etc. An exemplary embodiment of an inventive apparatus can include amemory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The processorcan be operative to facilitate performance of one or more of the methodsteps described herein. In another aspect, the apparatus can includemeans for performing the various method steps. The means can include oneor more hardware modules, one or more software modules, or a mixture ofone or more software modules and one or more hardware modules(appropriate interconnections via bus, network, and the like can also beincluded). One or more method steps of the present invention can beimplemented in the form of an article of manufacture including a machinereadable medium that contains one or more programs that when executedimplement such step or steps. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system 500that can implement part or all of one or more aspects or processes ofthe present invention, processor 520 of which is representative ofprocessors (such as those in elements or blocks 102, 104, 105, 106, 150,201, 202, 204, 2002, 306, and elsewhere) depicted in the other figures.In one or more embodiments, inventive steps are carried out by one ormore of the processors in conjunction with one or more interconnectingnetwork(s). As shown in FIG. 5, memory 530 configures the processor 520to implement one or more aspects of the methods, steps, and functionsdisclosed herein (collectively, shown as process 580 in FIG. 5). Thememory 530 could be distributed or local and the processor 520 could bedistributed or singular. The memory 530 could be implemented as anelectrical, magnetic or optical memory, or any combination of these orother types of storage devices. It should be noted that if distributedprocessors are employed, each distributed processor that makes upprocessor 520 generally contains its own addressable memory space. Itshould also be noted that some or all of computer system 500 can beincorporated into an application-specific or general-use integratedcircuit. For example, one or more method steps could be implemented inhardware in an ASIC rather than using firmware. Display 540 isrepresentative of a variety of possible input/output devices.

System and Article of Manufacture Details

As is known in the art, part or all of one or more aspects of themethods and apparatus discussed herein may be distributed as an articleof manufacture that itself includes a computer readable medium havingcomputer readable code means embodied thereon. The computer readableprogram code means is operable, in conjunction with a computer system,to carry out all or some of the steps to perform the methods or createthe apparatuses discussed herein. The computer readable medium may be arecordable medium (e.g., floppy disks, hard drives, compact disks,EEPROMs, or memory cards) or may be a transmission medium (e.g., anetwork including fiber-optics, the world-wide web, cables, or awireless channel using time-division multiple access, code-divisionmultiple access, or other radio-frequency channel). Any medium known ordeveloped that can store information suitable for use with a computersystem may be used. The computer-readable code means is any mechanismfor allowing a computer to read instructions and data, such as magneticvariations on a magnetic media or height variations on the surface of acompact disk.

The computer systems and servers described herein each contain a memorythat will configure associated processors to implement the methods,steps, and functions disclosed herein. Such methods, steps, andfunctions can be carried out, e.g., by processing capability onindividual elements in the other figures, or by any combination thereof.The memories could be distributed or local and the processors could bedistributed or singular. The memories could be implemented as anelectrical, magnetic or optical memory, or any combination of these orother types of storage devices. Moreover, the term “memory” should beconstrued broadly enough to encompass any information able to be readfrom or written to an address in the addressable space accessed by anassociated processor. With this definition, information on a network isstill within a memory because the associated processor can retrieve theinformation from the network.

Thus, elements of one or more embodiments of the present invention canmake use of computer technology with appropriate instructions toimplement method steps described herein.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that one or more embodiments of thepresent invention can include a computer program including computerprogram code means adapted to perform one or all of the steps of anymethods or claims set forth herein when such program is run on acomputer, and that such program may be embodied on a computer readablemedium. Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention caninclude a computer including code adapted to cause the computer to carryout one or more steps of methods or claims set forth herein, togetherwith one or more apparatus elements or features as depicted anddescribed herein.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may bemade by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A video content system comprising: a head endserver module; a content-sharing server; a video content network coupledto said head end server module and said content-sharing server; aconverged premises gateway module coupled to said video content networkat a client-side environment remote from said head end server module andsaid content-sharing server, said converged premises gateway module inturn comprising: a processor; a video content network interface coupledto said processor and said video content network and configured forcommunication with said head end server module over said video contentnetwork; a memory module having a predetermined storage location forcontent; a local area network interface configured at least fordistribution of video content within said client-side environment; andan upload module configured to cause said content in said predeterminedstorage location to be synchronized to said content-sharing server of anoperator of said video-content network; wherein: said memory modulecomprises at least non-volatile memory; said predetermined storagelocation comprises at least one pre-determined directory of saidnon-volatile memory; said converged premises gateway module executing aclient process receiving data from and sending data to a server processexecuting on said content-sharing server and processing at least onelicense of said content, said client process acting as a proxy for saidserver process; said upload module is configured to periodically scansaid at least one pre-determined directory of said non-volatile memoryfor said content stored in said at least one pre-determined directory ofsaid non-volatile memory and cause said content to be synchronized withcontent stored on said content-sharing server for sharing said contentto a location outside said client-side environment.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said head end server module and said content-sharingserver are collocated in a head end of said video content network. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein said content-sharing server is locatedremotely from said head end server module at a location associated witha third party service provider.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein saidcontent to be shared comprises user-generated content.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said content-sharing server comprises an associatedaccess-control module limiting Internet-access to said content uploadedto said content-sharing server to a pre-determined entity outside saidclient-side environment.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein saidaccess-control module is configured to permit write access to saidcontent-sharing server by said pre-determined entity.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said content-sharing server is Internet-accessible. 8.The system of claim 1, wherein said content-sharing server is accessibleto persons wishing to access said content to be shared via said videocontent network.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said upload modulecomprises a push agent executable on said processor of said gatewaymodule.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said upload module comprisesa pull module accessible to said content-sharing server.
 11. The systemof claim 1, wherein said upload module is configured to cause saidcontent in said predetermined storage location to be uploaded to saidcontent-sharing server over said video content network.
 12. The systemof claim 1, wherein said gateway module further comprises a telephonyinterface in data communication with said video content networkinterface, said telephony interface being configured to transmitpacketized voice data to said head end server module via said videocontent network interface.
 13. A method for sharing content from aconverged premises gateway module coupled to a video content networkhaving a head end server module, to a content-sharing server, saidmethod comprising the steps of: providing at least one user premiseswith said converged premises gateway module, said user premises being aclient-side environment remote from said content-sharing server and saidhead end server module, said converged premises gateway modulecomprising: a processor; a video content network interface coupled tosaid processor and said video content network for communication withsaid head end server module over said video content network; a memorymodule having a predetermined storage location for content; and a localarea network interface configured at least for distribution of videocontent within said user premises; storing said content in saidpredetermined storage location; and causing said content in saidpredetermined storage location to be synchronized to saidcontent-sharing server; wherein: said memory module comprises at leastnon-volatile memory; said predetermined storage location comprises atleast one pre-determined directory of said non-volatile memory; furthercomprising: executing a client process receiving data from and sendingdata to a server process executing on said content-sharing server andprocessing at least one license of said content, said client processacting as a proxy for said server process; periodically scanning saidcontent stored in said at least one pre-determined directory of saidnon-volatile memory; and causing said content stored in said at leastone pre-determined directory of said non-volatile memory to besynchronized with content stored on said content-sharing server forsharing said content to a location outside said client-side environment.14. The method of claim 13, wherein said head end server module and saidcontent-sharing server are collocated in a head end of said videocontent network.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein saidcontent-sharing server is located remotely from said head end servermodule at a location associated with a third party service provider. 16.The method of claim 13, wherein said content to be shared comprisesuser-generated content.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein said step ofcausing said content in said predetermined storage location to besynchronized with content stored on said content-sharing servercomprises a push agent executable on said processor periodicallyscanning said at least one pre-determined directory of said non-volatilememory for new content and causing said new content to be synchronizedwith said content-sharing server.
 18. The method of claim 13, whereinsaid step of causing said content in said predetermined storage locationto be synchronized with content stored on said content-sharing servercomprises a pull module accessible to said content-sharing serverperiodically scanning said at least one pre-determined directory of saidnon-volatile memory for new content and causing said new content to besynchronized with said content-sharing server.
 19. The method of claim13, further comprising the additional steps of: accepting upload ofadditional content to be shared to said content-sharing server from alocation outside said user premises; and causing said additional contentin said content-sharing server to be downloaded to said memory module.20. A converged premises gateway module for interconnection with acontent-sharing server and a video content network having a head endserver module, at a client-side environment remote from saidcontent-sharing server and said head end server module, said convergedpremises gateway module comprising: a processor; a video content networkinterface coupled to said processor and configured for coupling to thevideo content network and for communication with the head end servermodule over the video content network; a memory module having apredetermined storage location for content; a local area networkinterface configured at least for distribution of video content withinsaid client-side environment; a proxy module executing a client processreceiving data from and sending data to a server process executing onsaid content-sharing server and processing at least one license of saidcontent, said client process acting as a proxy for said server process;and an agent executable on said processor and configured to cause saidcontent in said predetermined storage location to be synchronized to thecontent-sharing server over the video content network for sharing saidcontent to a location outside said client-side environment; wherein:said memory module comprises at least non-volatile memory; saidpredetermined storage location comprises at least one pre-determineddirectory of said non-volatile memory; and said agent is configured toperiodically scan said content stored in said at least onepre-determined directory of said non-volatile memory and cause saidcontent to be synchronized with content stored on the content-sharingserver.
 21. The module of claim 20, further comprising a telephonyinterface in data communication with said video content networkinterface, said telephony interface being configured to transmitpacketized voice data to the head end server module via said videocontent network interface.